Rangers end 2021 as they started it, top of the table and leading the charge towards another title challenge.

It’s been a successful year for the club, but one they must continue to build on. 

The success must be capitalised on and Giovanni Van Bronckhorst is the man to lead the charge. That’s not a criticism of those gone before, simply that sometimes a message becomes stale. I believe it had and those that read this column will know this is not revisionism because I consistently said it was patchy and unconvincing.

Sunday’s match was another example of where we are now, it’s extremely efficient and it’s from a position of strength. Rangers literally penned St Mirren in from the start. It took only fourteen minutes to earn a breakthrough. It was the same as games against Livingston or Hearts. This team is no longer starting slowly or labouring to the point. It has an impressive killer instinct.

It’s worth noting that Gio has had zero time on the training field really, this last week was the first uninterrupted by a game. It was evident. With so many subtle yet wonderfully effective changes.

The change in full-backs on Sunday again was match dependant, they weren’t needed to sit in so played inverted. Crowding the middle created space for Ryan Kent and Scott Wright who flourished. Borna tucking in when Tavernier was forward - making a back three and arriving late. Assisting Alfredo spectacularly.

READ MORE: Giovanni van Bronckhorst is ideal Rangers fit and the man to lift title 56 - Four Lads Had A Dream

Then there is Glen Kamara, trusted in the centre of midfield and bossing the game completely. Before he was never given that responsibility, he would be on the left or have a partner - but he is best exactly where he is.

That’s before we even discuss the Buffalo who has slimmed down, had a change in attitude and looks like he is loving his football again. His change has been remarkable. Joe Aribo's upturn further illustrates how impactful change has proven to be.

It is no wonder teams are literally doing everything they can to ensure they face us at their strongest. 

Don’t fall for the chat that this is anything to do with fans or playing behind closed doors because when we restart we will be in exactly the same situation.

Ask yourself exactly what this governing body is doing to make sure that doesn’t happen. Are they lobbying the government for clarification to ensure fans get back in as quickly as possible? Silence and inaction speaks volumes.

The teams, or more pertinently, Celtic have an abundance of injuries and issues. They would have faced Rangers severely weakened. They have controlled that situation perfectly but they can’t avoid the match forever. Even if they play Rangers on the second of February and win, a positive consequence of the change is we will play them shortly later at Ibrox with a major chance to reverse the damage. 

READ MORE: Alfredo Morelos' massive Rangers attitude swing as old rampaging buffalo returns - Four Lads

No one should be surprised at the gormless leadership of this governing body. 

£400,000 a year for Neil Doncaster and a level of inept leadership only the Scottish Government could rival. Yes, close down stadiums but have thousands at indoor shopping centres and in supermarkets a few hundred yards away. Draconian nonsense of which football fans are suffering the painful consequences.

But wasn’t it ironic that Dundee were complaining about being forced to go up to Aberdeen and their postponement request was rejected? Karma really is poetic, perhaps their email got lost in the spam folder?

Rangers warned of the ineptitude of this governing body and it has shown through once again in a situation that is farcical from top to bottom.

Vote for clowns you get a circus or something like that, isn’t it?

Rangers end the year how we started it. Improvement is still required, but the champions are on the rise.

The Scottish game also ends the year how it started, led by the clueless and manipulated by others.